At Backus Orthodontics, we understand that maintaining a beautiful, long-lasting smile after treatment can sometimes be surprisingly thwarted by household pets, especially when it comes to Helena, AL retainers. As a family-friendly practice led by Hoover native Dr. Jeff Backus, with over 20 years of experience, we’ve seen everyday retainer care routines disrupted in the most unexpected ways…and we promise, we believe you if you say the dog ate your homework!
What Draws Dogs To Your Retainer
It may seem unusual, but dogs are naturally attracted to the scent of retainers which are used to maintain your smile after braces. The combination of saliva and food particles left behind can make them appear like chew toys to your pet. Materials used in retainers, such as acrylic and plastic, also have a texture that appeals to curious mouths. This attraction can turn expensive dental appliances into mangled plastic in a matter of minutes.
Common Mishaps At Home
Many of the most common pet-related retainer incidents happen because the device was left out in the open. Whether it’s sitting on a nightstand, a bathroom counter, or wrapped in a paper towel after a meal, these locations are easy for pets to reach. Dogs, in particular, are notorious for sniffing out items with strong human scents. A misplaced retainer becomes an easy target for destruction, often without the pet owner realizing it until it’s too late.
Prevention Tips That Work
Prevention starts with good habits. Always place your retainer in a hard-shell protective case when it’s not in use. Never leave it on furniture, in a napkin, or on a low surface where pets can access it. Make it a habit to store the case in a secure location like a drawer, high shelf, or cabinet.
Another effective step is keeping your retainer clean. Rinsing it regularly and brushing it with mild soap or a non-abrasive cleaner can reduce odors that might attract animals. The less your retainer smells like food or you, the less appealing it is to your pets. But the overall best prevention tip is to just keep it out of your pet’s reach. If you have cats and dogs, keep in mind that cats are notorious for knocking items off counters and other high surfaces, thus giving your dog access to your retainer!
Be Prepared With Back-Ups And Quick Action
Even with the best habits, accidents happen. Having a backup retainer available can make a big difference. Wearing your retainer consistently is critical, especially in the first few months after braces are removed. If your pet gets hold of your retainer, replace it immediately to avoid unwanted tooth movement.
Why Immediate Action Matters
Retainers are designed to keep your teeth in their corrected positions. Without them, teeth can begin to shift back within a matter of days. That’s why it’s so important to act quickly if your retainer is lost or destroyed. Even a short delay can result in noticeable changes to your alignment, requiring additional treatment to correct.
In many cases, we can create a new retainer quickly, especially if we already have your dental impressions on file. The sooner you reach out, the easier it is to minimize disruption to your treatment.
At Backus Orthodontics, our goal is to protect your investment from braces to retainers and help you keep your smile for life. With our friendly, family-centered care guided by Dr. Jeff Backus, we’re here to support you every step of the way. When pets get involved, let us help you keep your orthodontics safe and your smile brilliant. Contact us if you need a replacement retainer.
